Dushybeag and Adrian Heskin © Photo Healy Racing
Alghanem led the field a merry dance in the three mile beginners’ chase at Clonmel, but he couldn’t keep up the gallop and Dushybeag came through to readily score under Adrian Heskin.
Once Alghanem got to the front, Roger Loughran quickly opened up a clear lead. The six-year-old jumped from fence to fence and travelled sweetly on the good to firm ground.
Dushybeag and Heskin, however, closed the gap coming round the bend towards two out. As Alghanem weakened out of contention, Heskin drove his mount into a decisive lead.
Only two other horses, Gallant Tipp and Jansboy were able to set off after him. It was a futile exercise though as Dushybeag popped the last and cruised home by 16 lengths.
The 2/1 joint favourite beat fellow 2/1 joint favourite Gallant Tipp who in turn put 12 lengths on third-placed Jansboy (5/1).
Successful handler Michael Hourigan said: “He was crying out for the trip and the ground and it wasn't easy to get it. He didn't jump or travel the last day at Punchestown and he is a fair horse on that ground. He will go handicapping now.
“It is nice boost for the owner (Donal O'Connor from Kilsheelan) after he lost Milan Elite in the previous race. I won the Kerry National for him with Native Performance in 2003 and he also had the second that day with River Cora who was trained by Willie Mullins.”
Dushybeag was hammered down from 9/2 to 9/4 during trading before racing. Part of this price reduction though came about through Presenting Beara being declared a non runner due to being found lame. Gallant Tipp was also well backed from 3s to 7/4 before racing commenced in Clonmel. He was the one for money on course being backed from 11/4 to 2/1 on the off.
Additional reporting by Donal Murphy
